Composer

:

Ola Gjeilo

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2010

Average_duration

:

5:30

'Serenity (O magnum mysterium)' is a choral composition by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo. It was composed in 2011 and premiered by the Phoenix Chorale in the same year. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately 15 minutes in length. The first movement, 'O magnum mysterium', is a setting of the Latin text of the same name. The piece begins with a soft and ethereal choral introduction, which is followed by a solo soprano singing the first line of the text. The choir then joins in, creating a rich and harmonious sound. The movement is characterized by its use of suspensions and dissonances, which create a sense of tension and release. The second movement, 'Pulchra es', is a setting of the Song of Solomon text. The piece begins with a solo soprano singing the first line of the text, which is then echoed by the choir. The movement is characterized by its use of repetition and layering, which create a sense of depth and complexity. The third movement, 'Tota pulchra es', is a setting of the same Song of Solomon text as the second movement. The piece begins with a soft and gentle choral introduction, which is followed by a solo soprano singing the first line of the text. The choir then joins in, creating a lush and harmonious sound. The movement is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and soaring melodies, which create a sense of beauty and serenity. Overall, 'Serenity (O magnum mysterium)' is a stunning choral composition that showcases Gjeilo's mastery of harmony and melody. The piece is characterized by its use of suspensions, dissonances, repetition, and layering, which create a sense of tension, depth, and complexity. The three movements work together to create a sense of beauty, serenity, and transcendence.

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